pv.body (monthly subscription service for fitness gear) – got my first delivery! my review here…

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments

This morning the doorbell rang – Nick and I looked at each other puzzled – we’re past that stage when the doorbell rings regularly because wedding gifts are arriving galour. Nick went down to check it out and came up with a shiny pink package for me (picture below!). I got excited…I didn’t recall ordering anything online recently…then I realized it must be my ‘pv.body’ 1st delivery! Before I get into the contents of the package – let me explain what pv.body is:

This is another monthly subscription club – similar to Birchbox. Through the pv.body website you take a quiz so that they can better understand your fitness/work-out gear style. Once you’ve completed, you’re given a profile which helps them ‘hand pick’ items for you each month. Each month you are charged $49.95 and sent an outfit – from what I understand, the outfit is 1 top and 1 bottom. You can ‘cancel anytime’ or ‘skip a month’ at any time. The whole premise is – getting high quality work out gear for less. I saw pv.body promoted online and they were boasting gear from Lululemon, Nike and a few stylish and higher quality fitness apparel companies. You don’t know what brand you’re getting each month but they promote on their site that they partner with a variety of brands. So, I decided to try…

I got my first package today – pictures below with some description – then my feedback on package #1:

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pretty pink package – my gear arrived in

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the contents of the package – the top and bottom each wrapped in tissue paper (pink and white) – and a note from pv.body regarding Sizing

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the top by ’15 love apparel’ very soft – nylon/spandex blend

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the bottoms – a pair of leggings/stretch pants ‘Performance Sportswear by American Apparel’

My thoughts:

  • The presentation – the contents were nicely folded and wrapped in tissue paper – but I was surprised with the note – because it was on plain white computer paper and had been sloppily cut. The bar might be high because I’m comparing this to my experience with Birchbox and one of the things they do so well is presentation. They always include descriptive cards for the products they send, the paper is high quality, and everything is well-designed. Personally, I think the sloppily cut computer paper that was the only note inside the package, cheapened the whole pv.body experience
  • The top – by 15 Love Apparel – is very soft…I’ve never heard of this company. I looked them up – seems like this brand is sold in boutiques. I noticed that in Massachusetts, they’re sold at Equinox (high-end gym), Exhale Spa (high-end spa), and a couple other high-end (aka expensive) spa/fitness club boutiques. I looked up the avg. cost of a top on this site and it looks like they range between $40-$55. There is very limited selection on 15 love apparel site in terms of tops. The top I got isn’t an exciting piece but I do know when I filled out my quiz I answered that I prefer black/white work-out clothing. I answered that way because I was nervous to get super bright or floral gear…but I guess seeing that I got a grey top with black accents, this is not something I’d buy for myself because I have many things like this and I’m pretty sure I could find a spandex/nylon t-shirt (which I typically wouldn’t wear working out because I prefer tank tops for better mobility) at Marshalls or TJMaxx for under $20, easily
  • The bottoms – like most people, I’m familiar with American Apparel and think of them as a place to get solid color t’s, tanks, and dresses – with typically mid/higher price points but solid quality. I didn’t realize they have a performance line. The pants I got from pv.body feel stretchy like work-out pants but I put them on and they’re super thin. Now, they did send me a size small and if I had known they’d be sending me anything by American Apparel I would have willingly gone up a size because I find AA can run small. BUT, I’m not even sure a size medium would help with these pants I got – because when I bend over – they’re see-through!!! See pic below! (I just had to share this). These are not work out pants in my eyes. They are leggings and not good ones because I would have to wear a long top over them in fear that my booty would show whenever I bend over. I will admit I have a round butt – but when I wear my Lululemon or other work out pants, and even if I put myself in a size too small, my butt/thong would not show through the fabric. So, my thoughts – I HATE these bottoms
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OMG – that’s my thong. For the record, I don’t wear underwear when I work out – but even if I had nothing on, this would still be bad because you’d see my bear bottom! Bad, bad, bad

Now – with all that said, let me share what that computer paper note said – “Hi there! We work with many brands so sizing may run differently for each. We consider your selected size when sending your order, so you may receive a size larger or smaller in your top or bottom. If you have any questions please contact us at customerservice@puravit.com and we’ll take care of everything for you! xoxo The pv.body Team”

Welp, they’re getting an email from me. I want something else for the bottoms, at least. I’ll let you know how seamless the customer service experience is. But I will admit, I don’t really want to bother dealing with this on a monthly basis…because sizing is hard with clothing, they’re right! Tops are way easier – but bottoms, not so much. In some stores, I’m a small, in others, I could be a medium or even bigger depending on the fabric. I hated the experience of putting on these pants and realizing they’re sheer and too tight, it was depressing! Maybe I’m dramatic but now I feel stuck with them until I email customer service at this company which seems like more trouble than it’s worth.

I’m also trying to find my quiz (which I can’t seem to easily find on the pv site now!) so I can make sure I put the correct sizing for bottoms…now that I’ve seen that they’re sending brands like American Apparel, I need to make sure I put ‘medium’ or ‘size 6’ because I’d rather risk them being slightly big than skin tight or sheer.

I have decided to give it ONE more month to give it a fair shake. But my general feeling is – I pay around $80 a month for my gym…paying $49.95 for ‘mystery’ sports gear each month seems very frivolous. And now that I’ve seen package #1, I’m not sure it’s worth my money. The need to court me better – send higher quality descriptions/notes with the gear, tell me more about the company if you’re sending me gear from a less well-known brand…and please don’t send me anything else from American Apparel ever. Questions, comments?!

UPDATE – I’m re-taking the gear quiz now to re-do my profile – they’ve definitely re-vamped the quiz since I first took it (I wish they emailed me about this?!!) and added additional questions. I like this…because I can be more specific. That’s a good sign!

Sometimes it’s the random, little things…

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

this time of year and especially on Facebook, we like to share what we are thankful for. Like many others, my family, health, and friends top the list of what I’m really thankful for – but I decided, why not craft a list of a few more things…call them random, frivolous, or just silly…but here they are with a little bit of reasoning…

  1. Spotify PREMIUM – goodbye Pandora, hello Spotify Premium. For $9.99 a month, I can listen to anything, anytime…create my own ‘Beth’ playlist…and stream anywhere. I’m thankful for you…my custom 90s mixes, or Holiday mash ups right at my finger tips
  2. Mobile banking – drinks with friends, online shopping…the sudden realization that your checking account balance might be dwindling – thank goodness for mobile banking. In just a couple swipes, I can transfer from here to there (while on the run!) and prevent any dread debit card issues
  3. REAL Movie theatre popcorn – yes, it is far from healthy – but this time of year, some of the bigger films come out…and nothing is more of a special treat to me than a bag of movie theatre popcorn (hold the butter). Sprinkle in some Reeses Pieces and this is a dinner fit for a Queen
  4. Sweaters with leggings – too much movie theatre popcorn? have no fear…a cute (and comfy!) pair of leggings matched with a fitted, yet long sweater = a cute outfit…that hides any worrisome area(s). Thank you for your forgiving, yet funky/hip style, sweaters + leggings
  5. Holiday catalogs – it’s like getting a free book in the mail – glossy, glittery and usually smelling nice from perfume samples…I love those thick, heavy, Holiday catalogs from Bloomies, Nordstrom, and Saks. I like to kick back on the couch, flag the pages, and pick the things I love the most…all while knowing, I really don’t need any of it for Christmas
  6. Whipped cream vodka – no, not the flavored type…but the actual whipped cream with alcohol in it. Swirl a bit on your hot chocolate, spiced cider or coffee…or squirt a bit directly from the can into your mouth…this is a fun treat that makes holiday drinks/drinking even more tempting
  7. Dark nail polish – see you later pale pinks, corrals, and light greens – hello dark greys, blues, and reds…this time of year, I welcome those dark colors that pop against my pale skin. Suddenly I have way more color choices!
  8. Grated Parmesan cheese – so I asked Nick what random thing he’s most thankful for…and I thought I’d throw it in…he said parm cheese because “it adds a certain tang and texture to any pasta dish AND it’s used to make meatballs, one of my favorite foods.” this being the judgement free list, I think this is a great thing to be thankful for, yum
  9. RetailmeNot.com – every time BEFORE I make an online purchase I check this site…and more often than not, there is some type of deal I can use to save just a little bit more. Thank you RetailMeNot for making online shopping that much more fun
  10. Homemade smores – my current go-to dessert. 3 choco squares, 2 marshmallows, 1 graham cracker…15-20 seconds in the microwave…boom, warm, delicious, and rich dessert

What are you thankful for?? Share here…this is the judgement free zone!

10 tips/tricks to a healthier complexion

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments

Work a couple (or all!) of these into your routine, stick with them, and you will see/feel a difference!

1) Drink MORE water/tea: Replace your afternoon soda with a sparkling mineral water or replace your 2nd cup of coffee with green tea (I ❤ MightyLeaf). Buy a portable, yet cute water bottle (CamelBak Groove Bottle; $19 on Amazon.com). Keeping this full and on hand will make it easier to sip throughout the day. Keeping yourself hydrated will flush your system and you will notice it in your skin.

2) Use a Humidifier in your Bedroom: This appliance increases the moisture in the air…which helps alleviate symptoms of dry skin, eyes etc. Especially during winter months when heat can really parch the skin.

3) Wash ya face every night: Washing off the day’s dirt each night will definitely pay off in your complexion. Get yourself into a nightly routine where you cleanse, tone, and moisturize before bed:

4) Use a Silk Pillowcase: Even if your cotton sheets have a high thread count, silk is still easier on the skin because it is woven closer together. Buy a silk pillowcase to snooze on (you don’t have to buy the whole sheet set!) – it will feel luxurious and be gentler on your delicate facial skin

5) Routine Facials: Schedule a facial every 6-8 weeks. An aesthetician will know how to properly cleanse and treat your skin. By going regularly they can address skin problems/concerns over time.

  • Spaweek.com offers spa gift cards that can be used at thousands of different spas throughout the US

6) Sweat (often): Beyond helping reduce stress – get in a good sweat at least a few times a week. Your body is your temple, treating it well will be felt inside and radiate outward.

  • Sweat for less by dialing up works-outs On-Demand through your cable box. From yoga to basic aerobics, On-Demand offers a variety of work-outs you can do at home.

7) Keep Moisturized:  Properly moisturized skin looks healthier and more even.

Try for day:

Try for night:

8) Get enough ZZzzzz’s: Stress and lack of sleep shows in your face… strive to get at least 6 hours a night. 2 ways to make it easier to fall & stay asleep:

  • TV sleep timer: although TV can lull some people to sleep it can often disrupt sleep during the night. Use your trusty TV sleep timer and set it for 30 minutes after you get into bed so it shuts off once you’re asleep
  • Noise Machine: be it breaking waves or whale cries, these repetitive sounds can help lull you to sleep

9) Get a fo-glow: The real deal is not a healthy avenue.  If you need to fake a little color to brighten up your complexion:

10) Eat (and drink) more Greens: Cut back on processed sugar and eat more fruits and vegetables. This will improve not only your general health but also your skin. Read this piece by Shape Magazine’s on juices for healthier skin

Gifts for girlfriends

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Being a good gift giver isn’t easy – balancing generosity, thoughtfulness, and not breaking the bank can be difficult – especially if you have a bunch of people to buy for. If you have a few women in your life that you’ll be giving gifts to – this post is for you.

The idea is – this time of year there are so many great gift sets – but why give one person 4 lipglosses, 3 pairs of socks, or 5 pairs of underwear? Not saying that’s a bad thing BUT –  why not buy a couple/few of these sets, break up the contents, and mix & match to create more diverse gift sets??

Below are a few of my favorite sets by category – some of these items come in ‘miniature’ form in their respective gift sets – making them travel and purse friendly! Check it out!

Fancy polish: Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquer Trio (set of 3; $25 @ Nordstrom)

Deborah Lippman polish mini trio in ‘She’s Always a Woman’ set

    • Deborah Lippman polish is fancy – typically, sold at higher end dept stores and with a hefty (for nail polish) price tag –  but let’s admit it, a fancy polish is a fun indulgence. Especially DL polishes that come in funky colors (including amazing glitter polishes), and with better staying power. This set comes in a set of 3 mini 0.2 oz bottles (regular size is 0.5 oz. $16-$18). Why not split up the bottles? Pop into a couple different stockings to mix it up?? Most women appreciate a new polish (tip: you can always bring your own polish to a nail place – most will be more than happy to do your nails with a color you bring in yourself)

Comfy/lacey undies: Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong (5 pack) (set of 5; $89 @ Nordstrom)

Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong set in ‘Stars Variety’

    • My all time favorite undies – in my opinion, the most comfortable, durable (i.e. won’t stretch out) thong you’ll ever wear. HPs come in many different colors. This gift set (among others they have) mix together a few vibrant colors/patterns – break up this pack of 5 and give a few girlfriends a chance to try a comfy, high quality pair of undies. Not only are they comfortable but they are also cute – hello, they’re lace! – and you won’t have to worry about the dreaded ‘VPL’ (visible panty line) when wearing this thong with dress pants

High-class scented candle: Molton Brown – Langour Piccolo candle set (set of 4; $58 @ Saks)

Molton Brown Langour Piccolo gift set

    • Another thing people resist buying themselves = fancy candles. If you put them in your bedroom or around the bathtub, a nice scented candle can really set the mood of a room. This set comes in a beautiful box but why not break up the 4 candles, wrap each in tissue paper, and drop one in a gift bag or bring alongside a bottle of wine as a romantic hostess gift?
    • Tocca candles; set of 4 – another great set!

Cozy socks: Nap Socks (set of 3; $19.99 @ Brookstone) OR Victoria’s Secret PINK Sock Set (set of 3; $19.50 @ Victoria’s Secret)

NAP Socks in ‘Eggplant’ set

Victoria’s Secret PINK in ‘white/heather/grey/purple’ set

    • A new pair of socks is typically an appreciated, practical gift. Both of these sets offer function alongside style. The Nap socks are super soft and great for lounging – while the Vicky socks are perfect for boot-wearing or layering in cold weather. Break up the 3 pack of socks and pair (pardon the pun) with a candle, and give somebody a relaxation package – kick your feet up, light a candle, and relax…

Luxurious mini hand cream: L’Occitane Hand Indulgences Hand Cream Set (set of 3; $28 @ L’Occitane)

L’Occitane Hand Indulgences gift set

  • A purse must-have in the winter is a moisturizing hand cream. L’Occitane is known for rich and pleasant smelling creams. This set comes in a trio as well. You could pair one of these creams with a Deborah Lippman polish to create a hand pampering package

Purse-size scent: Victoria’s Secret Eau de Parfum Gift Set (set of 7; $40 @ Victoria’s Secret)

Victoria’s Secret Eau de Parfum set

  • Another purse essential is a mini perfume for quick fragrance touch ups. This set by VS comes with 7 mini perfumes – complete with beautiful bottles. Each scent is different which is great, so you can split up and not worry that everyone will suddenly be wearing the same scent 😉 Pair a perfume with the hand cream to create a purse essentials gift kit or maybe pair with the undies for a more sexy gift set

Cute lip-gloss: MAC ‘Guilty Passions’ Cocktail Coral Lipgloss Set (set of 4; $32.50 @ Nordstrom, MAC etc.)

MAC ‘Guilty Pleasures’ lipgloss set

  • I truly believe, a girl can never have too many lipglosses. This set by MAC combines 4 fun colors – in various shades of pink. Break up this set and pair a gloss with the purse-size scent and hand cream to create a fuller purse essentials gift kit or pair with the DL nail polish for a mini make-over gift set

Overall, gift sets make it easier to sample. Combining a couple of these items with a thoughtfully written holiday card would be the perfect gift for a female friend, family member, or co-worker!

thank you, Robyn! for being the inspiration behind this post.

Tried & True: hall-of-fame worthy eyeliners

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Awhile back I posted about two eyeliners – one considered a ‘steal’ the other a ‘splurge.’ I stand by these two as great liners – but recently, I decided there are two other liners in my ‘collection’ that deserve an upgrade to tried & true status.

With the holidays here and all those fun parties to attend – most ladies are willing to dress it up a little more than usual…this is why I want to highlight these liners. One is a liquid, the other is a pencil but goes on smooth and thicker than typical pencils. Both are awesome, stay-put (i.e. waterproof) liners that can create a more dramatic look – perfect for holiday parties or events. I will add, they’re not just for dress-up, I wear these to work – typically one swipe and I’ll stick to the top lid only or layer a nude shadow* over the line – for a more polished/professional look.

*A great shadow to layer on top of a liner to tone it down or to use as a base to brighten the eye area is:  Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in BONE ($21 Nordstrom, Sephora.com etc.) this is a matte shadow – no shimmer, which is GOOD because it doesn’t make you appear too shiny/glimmery for day-time. As much as I like shimmer (in the right places), I remind myself that too much around the eyes can create a shiny effect in photographs, which doesn’t always look good (think, greasy). Something to keep in my this time of year when people are snapping annual family/friend photos!

Liner #1:

Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($20 @ Sephora)

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner (featured in ‘jet black’)

If you want a liner that WILL not run or smudge…and I really mean it – get this. This is truly a wear-all-day liner…and it goes on smooth, the fine tip makes it super easy to get as thin or thick of a line as you want. I use ‘chocolate brown’ – I’ll draw a thicker line on my top lid typically making the line thicker towards the outer corner of my lid for an eye-opening effect, while I’ll sweep very lightly under my bottom lashes just to get a bit of color. Sweat, cry, get stuck (or should I say lucky?) making out in a rain storm…your liner will not run if you use this one!

Liner #2:

YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) dessin du regard waterproof – long-lasting waterproof eye pencil ($29 @ Sephora)

YSL long-lasting waterproof eye pencil (featured in ‘plum brown’)

I love this liner – it goes on thick so I usually have to apply lightly.  I was introduced to this liner by a woman who works at the Dior make-up counter – yup, that’s right, think about it… – she was using Dior EXCEPT for the liner, she pulled this out of her case and told me it is her GO TO regardless. This felt like a pretty legit endorsement! The line is super smooth and reminds me more of a liquid. It has very good staying power. I use ‘plum brown’ or ‘deep brown’ – ‘plum brown’ being my favorite because the purple hue is known to make the gold flecks in hazel eyes POP.  I feel fancy when I use this liner- perhaps because it’s a whopping $30 BUT it lasts because it needs minimal sharpening (I typically like it to have a dull tip so I can draw a thicker line and blend with my lash line). Overall, a great liner – the thickness and color of the pencil is like no other pencil I’ve ever used.

I keep both of these liners in my make-up bag. Both are on the splurge side but deliver on quality – they have strong color and staying power. Neither runs out quickly – which is huge when you’re splurging on a make-up product.

Side note: I saw a write up on this (below) liner and it looks SUPER FUN for the Holidays – NYE specifically! I’ve never tried but I’m tempted to use the ‘midnight cowboy’ color for the holidays. It’s called: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner ($18 @ Sephora)  The sparkle looks so fun…and it comes in a bunch of bright colors -blue, green, purple etc. (that you could coordinate nicely with a NYE dress?? or cute pair of heels?!)

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Line (featured in ‘pale pink’)

Do you have a favorite liner? please share! 🙂